Author: Better Path Financial | Categories: Credit Card Debt , Debt Help , Financial Help , Financial Service Consultants , Personal Finance
The old saying, a penny saved is a penny earned doesn’t really have much meaning these days when the cost of producing a penny is greater than the value of the penny itself. However, the sentiment is still as relevant as it once was. The money you don’t spend today can be put towards savings, investments or debt reduction.
Check out these seven ways you can start saving a few dollars today.
If you’re going to buy something online, there’s a good chance you can find a coupon to save you a few bucks. Here are 11 websites, courtesy of Money Under 30, for finding coupons on everything from groceries to apparel to travel and everything in between.
If Bill Gates and Warren Buffett (the third richest man in the world) are using coupons, it’s time you start too!
Good health and fitness need to among everyone’s priorities if you want a long, comfortable life. But as great as it feels to sign up for that fancy new gym down the road, a Statistic Brain survey of 5,313 American gym members found that 63% of gym memberships go unused, 82% of gym members go less than 1 time per week, and 31% say they would’ve never paid had they known how little they’d use it. That’s 1 in 3 people reporting that they regretted the purchase! Considering the average cost of a gym membership is upwards of $600 a year, that’s a huge financial pitfall. Alternatively, you could apply that $600 towards a pair of running shoes, a yoga mat, a dumbbell set or weight lifting bench. With a little imagination and self-motivation working out at home can save you some serious money.
Eating out is one of the great pleasures in life. That’s why we aren’t saying you should skip eating out altogether. What we are saying is to pick and choose when you go out. Save it for special occasions rather than a quick, lazy, fix. One of the biggest money blackholes in this area is lunches. Get in the habit of packing your meal and start saving $10 per day.
Bonus tip: cook dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch to maximize savings!
When you do decide to go out, instead of ordering a soda or iced tea, stick with good old water. Not only is it better for you, but it will also save you money in the long run. A U.S. Department of Agriculture report published in 2016 had a startling finding, soft drinks accounted for over 7% of American’s grocery budgets. Imagine what you could do if you saved or invested that 7%, rather than spending it on a drink with health-damaging consequences.
There are many ways you can save money on your utility bill. Make a point of turning off the lights when you leave the room. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Use less heat/air conditioning. Turn down the temperature on your water heater. Wash your clothes in cold water. Run the washing machine/dishwasher during the evening for off-hour rates. Air dry your clothes. The benefits of these items extend beyond saving money, you’re also taking care of your planet.
How much are you paying for cable? Upwards of $100 a month? By switching to an online service like Netflix or Hulu, you’ll satisfy both your entertainment needs and your financial needs.
Like eating out, having a delicious drink at your favorite café can feel great. But you know what can feel even better? Saving $1,100 per year. That’s how much the average American spends on coffee each year. In fact, the average American spends 34% more money on coffee then they do on investing. Do yourself a huge favor, cut back on the coffee (or cut it out altogether) and get your coffee fix at home or at work.
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